Plains School Board addresses safety, budget and compliance

More than 30 community members attended the regularly scheduled February meeting of the Plains School Board, where trustees considered several proposals, reviewed financial updates and approved volunteer coaching appointments.

The board voted to form a committee to develop a comprehensive district safety plan. The plan will incorporate threat assessment procedures, outline staff “right to know” policies and establish a schedule for safety drills for both students and staff.

Trustees unanimously voted to consider becoming a full member of the Cabinet Mountain Cooperative. Plains School District is currently a partial member of the cooperative. 

Based in Thompson Falls, CMC primarily supports rural Montana school districts and is affiliated with 10 districts statewide. The cooperative provides services including language therapy, school psychology support, special education assistance, and guidance to help districts remain in compliance with state and federal regulations. 

Currently, Plains School District is not in compliance with its special education program requirements.

The board also approved consideration of an individual transportation contract. The proposal would allow parents with qualifying circumstances who transport their own child to receive reimbursement for transportation costs.

Tony Gerharz of the accounting firm Wipfli presented the district’s 2024 audit via Zoom. 

“We did have a couple of significant deficiencies. We overspent the general budget by $14,000,” Gerharz said, attributing the deficit to a budget accounting error.

The board approved several volunteer coaches for the Plains High School track program. Robert Geenan, a Plains police officer, was accepted as a volunteer coach. Also approved were Jesse Jermyn, Charity Jermyn and Kevin Meredith as high school track coaches. Jack Revier and Gana Ferlan will coach both high school and junior high track athletes.

Due to a medical issue, Board Chair Dicken delivered Dr. Kathleen Walsh’s monthly report. Walsh announced the district received an Advanced Opportunity Grant totaling $27,773 for fiscal year 2027. The grant will help students pursue academic and career interests. 

The report also noted that new door entrance procedures are operating smoothly and have generated no complaints, contributing to a more secure school environment.

Elementary Principal Kevin Meredith reported that February enrollment numbers remain largely unchanged. He also highlighted upcoming events, including the county spelling bee scheduled for Feb. 26 at the Sanders County Courthouse. Plains will be represented by fifth-grader Dahlia Winkler and sixth-grader Collin Finley. Last year’s winner Talon Ferlan has aged out of eligibility. 

The Missoula Children’s Theatre will visit the school March 16-20 to present "The Secret Garden."

High School Principal Heidi Fettinger reported that the school’s threat assessment team is developing a formal referral procedure for staff to address potential threats within the district. Fettinger also shared Excellence in Action academic data via email:

· 20 high school students and eight junior high students achieved a 4.0 GPA

· 22 high school students and 13 junior high students earned GPAs between 3.5 and 3.9

· 20 high school students and 16 junior high students earned GPAs between 3.0 and 3.49

Additionally, 22 Plains students will attend a math contest at the University of Montana on Feb. 24.

Gwyn Andersen of ANB Consulting in Kalispell provided an overview of the district’s budget. 

“As our numbers start to solidify, the last time I was here I told you that new money was $17,000. With these new counts, your new money is $88,000, which is a much better place to be,” Andersen said. 

Andersen explained that certified staff increases total $63,000, leaving approximately $25,000 to cover rising insurance, property liability, health insurance, utility costs, and other staff increases within the district’s $3.9 million budget.

During public participation, Erika Lawyer expressed concerns about legal and consulting fees. 

“I still have not received an answer for the question I asked back in November, and now there is an additional $10,000 plus in attorney and consulting fees. Where is this money coming from? Why can’t we figure out where this close to $100,000 in legal and consulting fees is coming from out of our general budget?” Lawyer asked.

Former trustee Ellen Childress also raised concerns about transparency. 

“I just want to ask a question or comment about the lack of transparency I keep hearing about the board,” Childress said. “For example, we can’t know why we are not in compliance with special ed. As elected officials, you are obliged to let us know that.” 

Board Chair Dicken responded, “It is an ongoing legal investigation, and I can’t speak to that.”